[Our writer notes the requirement of the laws of the Indias that the
governors and audiencias should consult and act together in matters
of government, and the excellent results of this procedure. [146]] But
unfortunately such has not been the case in the recent governments of
Filipinas. The governor-presidents have entirely separated themselves
from their audiencias, and have governed alone--sometimes in military
fashion, not heeding the opinions and customs of the country, but
depending on force of arms; and sometimes only by the advice of the
lawyer who assists the governor, who has the title of government
counselor [asesor], and who, although he ought to limit himself to
giving opinion on points and cases regarding statutes, is counselor in
all the arduous matters of administration. From this it has resulted
that the fate of the colonies may be left in the hands of this class
of counselors, and that their subordinates have had so much power
and importance. [Moreover, this course leads to dissensions and
hostilities between the governor and the Audiencia, which is a bad
example to furnish to the people and lowers their respect for the
authorities.] It must be borne in mind that the Indians of Filipinas
are not so sunken in ignorance that they do not of themselves,
and likewise through their attorneys and confessors, recognize that
they have a sovereign who rules them, and who to this end has given
them laws; consequently, all lack of concord among the authorities,
and every change introduced in the method of governing the villages,
must produce fatal consequences. [It is therefore recommended that
the governor consult the Audiencia in all matters of the internal
government of the islands, and any failure in this should be made a
charge in his residencia.]